Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards fuel cell components (e.g., anodes, cathodes, or electrolytes) which are made by the application of a colloidal solution to a substrate, drying of the solution allowing particles to remain on the substrate, and sintering of the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for applying crystalline materials to a substrate by applying a cation and an anion and crystallizing at least a portion of the reaction product of the cation and the anion. The application of at least one of the cation or the anion is actively controlled such that it is applied in a patternwise or blanketwise fashion.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a fuel cell assembly may comprise a flow passageway having a region of graduated cross sectional area along the flow passageway for maintaining a reaction equilibrium. The region may be defined be the arrangement of stacked fuel cell elements alone or in combination with additional shaped spacers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards electrode-electrolyte composites. The electrode-electrolyte composites comprise electrode material and electrolyte material. At least a portion of the electrode material is present as a plurality of discrete regions having conductive contact with the electrolyte material.

Abstract: An electrode suitable for use in a fuel cell includes a passive support having pores wherein the passive support has an asymmetric pore morphology with respect to at least one dimension of the passive support; and an electrode material positioned in the pores of the passive support. An exemplary electrode includes an electrode material of a metal and/or metal oxide. An exemplary porous electrode includes a deposited electrolyte layer that blocks at least some pores of the porous electrode. An exemplary method includes reducing an electrode material positioned in pores of a passive support to create secondary porosity and/or to limit agglomeration. Other exemplary devices and/or methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell is disclosed that includes a passive support having a fine pore region disposed between a first coarser pore region and a second coarser pore region. An exemplary fuel cell has an electrolyte material positioned in the fine pore region and a first electrode material positioned in the first coarser pore region and a second electrode material positioned in the second coarser pore region. Other exemplary devices and/or methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems of facilitating detection of fuel leaks in a fuel cell system include adding organic molecules to a fuel cell fuel supply to odorize the fuel supply.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed toward a fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell casing and one or more fuel cell elements comprised of electrode and electrolyte material. The fuel cell casing is configured with threads and the fuel cell elements can be threadingly engaged in the fuel cell casing.

Abstract: A method for elevating a temperature within a fuel cell having a cathode, an electrolyte and an anode, includes, prior to the electrolyte reaching a minimum temperature at which oxygen ions cross the electrolyte, conducting an exothermic reaction at the cathode or the anode to elevate the temperature within the fuel cell.

Abstract: Subject matter includes a fuel cell and related methods to treat exhaust. An exemplary single chamber fuel cell can produce power while detoxifying multiple exhaust components. The exhaust stream treated can be a combined stream of spent fuel and spent oxidizer.

Abstract: Subject matter includes a fuel cell with a catalytic combustor seal and related methods. The catalytic converter is positioned to come in contact with a fuel after the fuel has traversed a path over an intended electrode and the fuel is catalytically converted before the fuel can come in contact with an unintended electrode.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell includes supplying a gas stream to the fuel cell and oscillating the gas stream.

Abstract: The invention concerns co-deposited films with nano-columnar structures. A film of the invention is formed upon a substrate, and includes a nano-columnar structure of a first material and a co-deposited second material.

Abstract: A fuel cell in accordance with a present invention serially depletes reactants.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes at least one electrode operatively disposed in the fuel cell, and having a catalytically active surface. The present invention further includes a mechanism for maintaining a substantially uniform maximum catalytic activity over the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell in accordance with a present invention includes a plurality of reactant channels.

Abstract: A method of making a fuel cell includes the following steps. A pattern is placed on a base surface to create a predetermined topography on the base surface. An anode layer, a cathode layer and/or an electrolyte layer is/are deposited over the pattern. Areas of higher topography are removed from areas of lower topography using chemical mechanical planarization to form a predetermined fuel cell structure.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and reactant distribution structure and method of making the same.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an anode in fluid communication with a fuel source, a cathode in fluid communication with an oxygen source, an electrolyte disposed between the anode the cathode, and a first plasma reactor disposed between the cathode and the oxygen source.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack and a heat exchanger in fluid and thermal communication with the fuel cell stack. The heat exchanger is adjacent the fuel cell stack and both removes excess heat from the fuel cell stack and preheats a gas before entry into the fuel cell stack.